Kicker motor advice

[Wish2Fish]

I just ordered a new Skeeter WX1880; I plan to fish the Mississippi & St Croix, along with several lakes. I haven't decided yet what to do about a kicker. My dealer is offering me an 8HP Yamaha kicker...but before I spend another $3,500 I thought I'd look to all of you for expert advice.

I want enough power to pull crank baits on the river, in addition to lighter-duty trolling applications. Can a transom mount electric trolling motor get the job done? Or do I really need to hang a gas kicker on the boat?

Thanks!

[PerchJerker]

Congrads on the new boat, I've never fished from an 1880 but the guys that have them seem to love them.

If you plan to do much crankbait trolling I think a transom electric is NOT the way to go, especially on a boat that big and heavy. I'd think you'd use a lot of battery power to just move the boat at the speed you need, and when you got snagged or needed to turn around you'd have really slow response time to get that rig pointed in the right direction and moving again.

Every kicker motor I've had or used has pretty much been my favorite motor (if that's any consolation to you).

You probably don't have much negotiating power if you've already done the deal for the boat, but I think your dealer is $500+ too high for a T-8.

[Rost]

You'll be much happier with kicker on back. Especially if you are fishing waters with current. One thing to also keep in mind is the safety issue. A kicker can save you if you have main motor troubles.

I agree, $3500 for a T-8 is a bit steep. I'd say $2900 is more like it. Call around.

[Surface Tension]

I can't comment on the price but for what your intended use the T-8 would be my choice.

[Paul Waldowski]

I would agree. Go with the T-8

[Northlander]

T-8 would be my 1st choice but that new Mercury Pro Tiller really has my interest as well. Both would be great on there.

[Wish2Fish]

Just what I needed to hear...thanks guys!